All photos by Alice Corey. All content by Alice and Mike Corey
Editor’s Note:
A blessing it is… to have talented friends who want to contribute here and there, and give you – The Reader – alternate perspectives on events and such.
In this connection, today we welcome a long-time friend and collaborative partner – Alice Corey – to the proceedings.
I had been tantalizing her with various events for her to cover for Daily Planet Arthur for some time – and looking at these photos, you can see why. But, in this case, The Colin Cowie Lifestyle Brunch at the Saratoga Wine + Food Festival, on Sunday, September 9, she reached out to me.
And, from MY perspective – that’s about the best compliment a person like Colin Cowie can receive.
Quality recognizing Quality – it’s that simple. Welcome back, Alice! – AG
SARATOGA SPRINGS – When your goal to satisfy five senses at a time, you make events like these.
To begin, I had the privilege of sitting down with Colin privately for a brief Q+A, and visit. Here’s some of it:
AC: Do you have a favorite brunch dish?
CC: Well, every item on the menu today, but the star is the paella
AC: Choose one: French toast or pancakes?
CC: French toast the old fashioned way
AC: All right, Mimosa or Bloody Mary?
CC: Mimosa first, then Bloody Mary
AC: Favorite wine?
CC: Any of the Big Tuscans or a white Burgundy. I am a lover of many South African and Australian wines.
AC Where and when did you enjoy your best bottle of wine?
CC: Last night, right here in Saratoga. I shall say no more.
AC: When you are gone from this earth what do you want people to say about you?
CC: “He did it all, in the fast lane, at 120 mph with big doses of style, fashion, and glamour!”
And so, in that spirit, we plunged in…
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Everyone has favorites, even among a brunch comprised of favorites – long-time and brand new.
Call these Alice’s Favorites:
– The overall attention to detail: Now, this has many sub-components coming together – leading to a five-sense BANG – as you would expect from one with “the eye of an artist and the skill of an architect.” And, it is just as his WEBSITE promises…
Here are the elements that stood out to me:
– The incredible, intimate yet lavish, layout of the long center wooden table, paired with metal + wooden chairs, flanked by round white covered tables adorned with fresh flowers and lush greenery.
-The open air cooking station that allowed guests to see, smell, and hear the cuisine being mastered by Chef Todd English
-The strategically placed lounge seating that created seductive nooks for groups to assemble and share private moments
– Simple white + gray striped napkins added flare to the tables while letting the opulent floral center pieces shine bathed in warm, sultry candle light
– Expertly placed lighting. Highlighting and directing your attention to every carefully curated detail in true Colin Cowie fashion
– Cocktails and spirits that flowed like a river (make that a few rivers,) due to the carefully orchestrated layout of the tent making cocktails from the bar + cocktail stations – all easily accessible.
(Oh. BTW THAT was all number one!) Here’s some more…
2. Paella – Cooked outdoors over an open fire by the incomparable Todd English with support from Mazzone Catering staff
3. The “Fruity” cocktail by The Cocktail Architect, Yusef Austin that contained 2oz double cross vodka, muddled fresh honeydew melon, 3/4oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4oz simple syrup and a couple of slapped basil leaves shaken with ice and served in a martini glass www.thecocktailarchitect.com
4. Indaba wines. This brand is one of the largest South African brands in the states and is cornerstone to the indaba education fund: providing early childhood teacher training, learning materials, and educational infrastructure to young, at-risk children living in the South African Winelands. The indaba wines are some of the top 100 wines for value and by drinking this brand you’re drinking something transformative; able to change the universe. “We believe that the only way to change humanity is through the child” said Andre Shearer of Cape Classics, the largest importer of South African wines to the United States. Visit indabaeducationfund.org
5. The Kelly + Jones “Fresh” fragrance… A limited edition cocktail-inspired fragrance, created for Colin Cowie Lifestyle at the Saratoga Wine + Food Festival. Kelly + Jones paired with The Cocktail Architect, Yusef Austin, to blend three scents to pair with the spirits in the glass: Fresh, Fruity and Spicy. Available in a Hydrating Body Mist (4oz) or Eau de Parfum.
Here’s one of their recipes: (1.5oz) FRESH: Musgrave Gin | Blood Orange Juice | Fresh Lime | Simple Syrup | Soda Water | Lemon Twist – Delicious!
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Mike had a few favorites too. Here’s his list. Note that there was little duplication. In this case, I believe we are both right!
1. Country fried chicken and avocado corn waffles with burnt butter, maple glaze, and bacon crumbles
2. DJ Loyal’s Music, and Troy’s live Sinatra renditions that ultimately gave this daytime brunch it’s nighttime feel
3. Bloody Mary Bar (see above) by The Cocktail Architect, Yusef Austin. Featuring Double Cross vodka, Musgrave Gin, and Avion Tequila
4. The roaring of the Ferraris in the background
5. Whispering Angel Rose’ from France
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Overall, here is my review: Not only would we do this again, but can we please do it again today?
Thank you, Colin. Thank you, everyone, for an experience I will savor a long time and never forget.
Alice Corey
Edited by Arthur Gonick
September 16, 2018
